In April 2014, I attempted to climb Mt. Everest before an avalanche in the icefall claimed the lives of 18 Sherpa. A year later (May 2015), I returned to Mt. Everest only to witness a 7.8 earthquake while at camp 1. I am preparing to climb again in April 2018 but this blog is dedicated to my purposeful pursuits. Please be sure to check out the charities that I support and follow me on twitter (@pem725) or instagram (pem725).

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Last second thoughts before my 6-hour cold water qualifying swim

Greetings,I sit here in my kitchen, thinking about what to write before we head off for Oakville, Ontario. Funny enough, I am at a loss for words. The past few weeks went very well for training. I feel great. My only concern was that the water might not be cold enough (61 degrees F or colder) to count as my qualifying swim. Those concerns are gone. Now, I hope that I don't get swept away by the cold winds that appear to be coming to the area. Yes, the water will be cold enough and the conditions will be an excellent simulation for some of the worst conditions the EC has to offer - short of jellyfish, saltwater, and hurricanes. Here is the forecast for this weekend: cold (low to mid 60's air and upper 50's in the water), wet (85% chance of rain on Saturday), and windy (10 mph in the morning building to 25 mph by the time I finish). Not bad. I am really excited. We push off early tomorrow morning so I need to get to bed. The weather may press me into service on Friday night instead of waiting for Saturday. Now that would be exciting! The folks at LOST have been nothing short of amazing. More on them later with pictures.Wish us luck!